Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park｜What to See & Do｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Japan’s First National Museum of Ainu Culture

Set on the shores of Lake Poroto, Upopoy is a national center dedicated to preserving and sharing Ainu culture through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and hands-on experiences.

Opened in 2020, Upopoy is home to the National Ainu Museum, Japan’s first national museum dedicated to Ainu history and culture. Its name means “singing in a large group” in the Ainu language.

At the National Ainu Park, visitors can explore a recreated kotan (traditional village) with chise (traditional houses) and learn about Ainu life and traditions. Traditional instruments such as the mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (five-stringed zither) create an immersive atmosphere.

The experience hall presents dynamic performances of Ainu traditional dance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visitors can also watch demonstrations of woodcarving and embroidery showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of Ainu culture.

Cafés and food facilities serve dishes inspired by traditional Ainu cuisine and local ingredients, offering another way to experience this heritage.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Poroto, Upopoy invites visitors to see, hear, and taste Ainu culture while gaining a deeper understanding of its traditions and values.

* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.

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General Information

Postal code: 〒059-0902　
Address: 北海道白老郡白老町若草町2丁目3-1
Telephone Number: 0144-82-3914
Open: 9:00-17:00 (Depends on the season)
Closed: Mondays, New Year holidays, early March
Prices: Paid
Car Park: 246 spaces, charged
Directions: ●On foot: About 10 minutes from JR Shiraoi Station
●By car: About 10 minutes from Hokkaido Expwy Shiraoi IC
Website: Official site

* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

Area Guide "Central Hokkaido": https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/douou

A Tour Through Japan’s Northern Frontier: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/northern_frontier

Enjoy the pleasant weather! Hokkaido Autumn Travel Guide!: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/travelguide_autumn

Experience how luxury travel has evolved to make Niseko a world class destination: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/experience-how-luxury-travel-has-evolved-to-make-niseko-a-world-class-destination

Explore Hokkaido’s dynamic South: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/explore-hokkaidos-dynamic-south

This attraction on sample itineraries

[New Chitose Airport IN & OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] Indigo Dyeing Experience, Ainu Culture, Local Gourmet, and Muroran Night Cruise! A Trip Around Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_26.html

[New Chitose Airport IN & OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] Experience Ainu Culture at Upopoy, Hot Spring Tour in Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and Niseko! Recommended Course for First-Time Visitors to Hokkaido: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spa/plan/detail_55.html

[Oarai Port IN & OUT / 4 Nights 5 Days] Ferry to Tomakomai! Historical and Cultural Spots, Famous Hot Springs, and Ballpark Too! A Winter Trip Around Southern Hokkaido: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_75.html

[Hakodate Airport IN → New Chitose Airport OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] From Seikan Ferry Memorial Museum to Ainu Culture Museum and Beer Museum! A Museum Tour of Hokkaido: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_81.html

[New Chitose Airport IN & OUT / 3 Nights 4 Days] Lake Toya, Upopoy, and Dolphin Watching! A Trip to Enjoy Surrounding Sights Based at Noboribetsu Karurusu Onsen: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_83.html